RCN comment on Public Services Pensions Bill

Published: 13 September 2012

For immediate release, 13 September 2012

Commenting on the publication of the first stage of the Public Services Pensions Bill, Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Chief Executive & General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, said:

“We have always made it clear that the proposed changes to public sector pensions are of major concern to nurses and healthcare assistants. In particular, the number one worry has been the potential prospect of working in a physically demanding job until the age of 68. We remain committed to vigorously opposing this proposal.”

“Nursing is demanding in many ways. From working night shifts to being exposed to infections and moving patients, there is a huge amount of pressure – both physical and psychological - placed on today’s nurses. Asking nurses to continue working until they’re almost 70 is a deeply unpalatable prospect.”

Ends

Notes for Editors

1. For further information, please contact the RCN Media Office on 020 7647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media

2. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.